Armenia

By Brenda Yun

Armenia was founded in October 14, 1889 by Jesús Maria Ocampo, also known as "Tigrero" (or the "Tiger Killer") because of his love of hunting jaguars (known locally as tigers). Ocampo came to Armenia, which is advantageously located on the Río Quindío, looking for shelter in the mountains of Quindío. He paid one hundred pesos in gold coins for the land in which to build a trade center not only for himself but also for other colonists from Antioquia, Manizales and areas surrounding the river. He proceeded to sell land for settlement. Six months after its founding, in August 1890, Armenia had reached a population of 100 people, allowing it to gain legal recognition by the government. The city became known as “Armenia” to honor the people murdered in the Hamidian massacres of 1894-96.

Armenia’s enviable geographical situation at 1,500 meters above sea level, by two rivers, and within five hours from the country’s three largest cities (Bogota, Medellín, and Cali), made it a commercial hub during the 1900’s, especially when the city welcomed train and car transportation in the late 1920’s. In January 1999, Armenia experience a devastating earthquake that left 200,000 people homeless, but international aid quickly brought modern buildings to the city, including a brand new bus terminal and contemporary pedestrian mall in the center of town. Today, population is at about 400,000 people. A collection of gold that is often regarded as the best in the country, is located in northern Armenia at the Museo del Oro Quimbaya.

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